The City of Seattle has awarded more than $1 million through its Neighborhood Matching Fund to support 24 community projects. Each project will receive an average of about $43,800. Community groups will contribute more than $921,000 in matching resources, including cash, volunteer time, materials, and professional services. The projects include efforts such as neighborhood improvements and youth programs, selected by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Matching Fund, established in 1988, is nearing its fourth decade of supporting community projects in Seattle. Its goal is to strengthen neighborhoods by funding initiatives that involve local participation. Jenifer Chao, Director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, said, "Since 1988, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has been about more than just dollars and projects: it is about people coming together to strengthen the livelihood of our neighborhoods," according to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.
Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund reinstated its community review process in 2024 to allow residents to help decide how funds are distributed. In the most recent round, five community members reviewed and selected the projects. Since it began, the program has funded more than 5,000 projects across the city. Details about grants and upcoming funding rounds are available on the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods website.
